"But, Father—" began Mitzi.
"Very well, then," said Mr. Toymaker. "I shall tell you. We sold the necklace so that we could buy food. Now, are you satisfied?"
Mr. Toymaker's voice sounded cross. But his face looked very worried.
"Oh, the beautiful necklace!" cried Mitzi.
Mr. Toymaker untied a package.
"Oh, the beautiful cheese!" he sniffed.
He was trying to make the best of things. He was trying to be jolly—poor Mr. Toymaker!
"One cannot grieve about neck decorations," he said, "when the stomach cries out to be decorated!"